Sending Bonsai Abroad: What Can Travel

Collectors around the world dream of a tree from Japan. The reality is that living bonsai face some of the strictest plant-health rules in international trade, while the objects of the art, pots, stones, stands, tools and scrolls, travel as easily as any antique. This page explains the difference.

Living trees

Every country protects its forests and farms from foreign pests and diseases, and a tree with its roots in soil is a perfect carrier. The rules depend on the destination and the species, change from time to time, and are enforced at the border.

  • In Japan, an exported plant must pass inspection by the Plant Protection Station of the Ministry of Agriculture and receive a phytosanitary certificate.
  • Great Britain admits certain conifers from Japan, among them Chamaecyparis, junipers, Japanese white pine and Japanese black pine, only from nurseries registered with Japan's plant protection service, with certification, an approved quarantine facility and inspections during growth.
  • The European Union allows a similar, closely controlled route for certain Japanese conifers from registered nurseries.
  • The United States restricts plants in growing media and bars many genera; pines from Japan, for example, cannot enter as living plants.

Rules change. Before buying a living tree, check with the plant-health authority of your country, such as APHA in Britain or USDA APHIS in the United States, and work with an importer who handles quarantine.

What travels freely

Packing

Antique pots are packed in their boxes with void fill and a rigid outer carton; heavy stones and bronze trays are blocked so they cannot move; large tables are crated. Every Japonista shipment is insured and tracked, and large pieces are crated to museum standard. See Importing Large and Heavy Pieces.

In the collection

Browse bonsai and suiseki. Our curator desk can search Japan for a particular pot, stone or stand; replies follow within 1–3 business days.

See also

Envía tu expediente del caso

Toda colaboración personalizada comienza con claridad. Cuéntanos qué buscas, qué te inspiró y cuáles son los límites de tu proyecto.


What Happens After You Submit

Your Case File is reviewed personally by a senior advisor. We examine your objectives, logistics requirements, cultural considerations, and practical constraints. You will receive a tailored proposal outlining recommended services, timelines, and all applicable fees.

  • Bespoke service design tailored to your specific needs
  • Museum-grade logistics for art, antiques, fashion, and collectibles
  • Transparent partnership with no hidden or surprise costs

“All fees, deposits, and retainers will be clearly presented for approval before any work begins.”

Your Case File

Please complete the form carefully. The more precise your information, the more accurately we can prepare your assessment.

All fields are required to submit this form.

Kindly allow us a brief moment to review your submission. A senior advisor will be in touch with your personalised next steps.

Thank you for entrusting us with your vision. We look forward to representing you with precision and discretion.